Little Black Dress Page 3

  She squared her shoulders and began her pitch in French but switched to English when answering questions.

  “You speak French well for a first-time visitor.”

  She laughed. “You wouldn’t have said that if we met four weeks ago. I’ve had some lessons by a woman who took pity on me in a café. She’s my only friend here.”

  “Well now you have two, three if you want to count my nosy sister. Now let’s write up the order.”

  A croissant later, Jamie walked out with her first international sale. Smiling ear to ear, she pulled her cell phone from her purse and selected Mitch’s phone number.

  "You got it, didn't you?" His voice echoed from the phone.

  "You sound like you doubted me." Jamie chuckled. She knew he did. She’d even doubted herself.

  "Never. You just had to get the lay of the land. There'll be no stopping you now. Looks like your new designer friend was the kiss of luck, huh?"

  Jamie stopped short. A swarm of butterflies batted at the insides of her belly. She touched her lips with her index finger. "Yeah, I guess she was."

  After giving Mitch the specifics, she ended her call and tapped out a text to Giselle.

  Drowning my sorrows at Le Musee, if you'd like to join me.

  ***

  Jamie sipped at her champagne as she spotted Giselle walk across the courtyard to the outdoor café. She hid her face and the champagne behind the long menu.

  "You certainly picked an expensive place to sulk, ma chère."

  Jamie peeked over the top of her menu, hiding her smile.

  Giselle's steel blue eyes bore down at her as she raised an eyebrow. "Those aren't the eyes of a sulker."

  Jamie placed her menu on the table. "I made the sale!” She sprang from her chair and wrapped her arms around Giselle. “I have you to thank for it," she said in Giselle’s ear as they hugged.

  Giselle pulled away and cupped Jamie’s cheeks in her palm. "Don’t sell yourself short. You did it, I helped un peu. Just a little. Let me see this ensemble. Turn." She circled her index finger in the air, gestured for Jamie to spin.

  The skirt twirled above her knees as she spun on her toes.

  “Beautiful.” She glanced at the table. “And you ordered champagne,” Giselle said eyeing the bottle. “Not bad. I’m teaching you well. So tell me about the sale. It was the flower shop, yes?”

  The women sat as Jamie relayed the first meeting with Anna Dubois and how she closed the sale with the other owner, Simon.

  “I guess I shouldn’t get too excited because I didn’t exactly get it with my superb French. Some of the pitch was in English.”

  “A sale is a sale.” Giselle lifted her champagne flute and clicked it with Jamie’s.

  “That’s right. The poor guy. Simon, I mean. He lost his wife last year and moved back home to help his sister. She was trying to set us up.”

  Giselle raised her eyebrows as she took a sip of champagne. “Was she? Did he ask you on a date?”

  Jamie waved her hand. “No. I doubt he was interested. It probably made him feel uncomfortable. I told him about you and how you’re my only friend in Paris, and he said I can count him as one too.”

  “Sounds like he liked you.”

  “Me? Don’t be silly. Now what are we ordering for our celebration lunch?”

  Chapter Five

  Jamie woke to her phone ringing. Feeling around the bed table, her fingers found the cord to the charger, which led to the phone. “Hello?”

  “Oh, geez. What time is it?”

  “Who is this?”

  “I’m sorry. It’s Simon, from the flower shop. I had no idea it was so early. I’ve been up for hours waiting for a delivery. I’ll call back.”

  “No, it’s fine. What can I do for you?” Jamie blinked and held the phone in front of her. It was just eight o’clock. She was afraid she’d overslept, but her first appointment wasn’t until eleven.

  “Well, we just received our credit card thing and Anna asked if you would be so kind to show her how to use it.”

  “Sure. No problem. How about I come by later this afternoon? I have an appointment nearby.” It’d been exactly one week since her first sale at the flower shop and just as Mitch predicted, she’d finally broke her dry streak. She had three more sales that week.

  “That’s great. See you then.”

  ***

  Jamie had a bounce to her step as she walked into rue de Rivoli Fleur. She’d successfully made two sales and had a dinner date with Giselle. She’d called her before heading into the flower shop and gave her the address to the restaurant where she made her last sale. The owner—who was also the chef—liked her so much, he invited her to return for dinner. It was also the one-month anniversary of the first time she met Giselle. Jamie found she couldn’t stop thinking about her and decided this would be the night to determine if her feelings went beyond friendship.

  “Jamie! Thanks for coming.” Anna waved from the back of the store. “Let me grab this thing and you can show me how to use it.”

  Jamie scanned the store, relieved Simon wasn’t there. She’d wondered if he was using the training call as an excuse to see her again. Simon seemed like a great guy; however Jamie wasn’t interested. Not when she couldn’t stop thinking about Giselle. It was time to confirm something she’d known for a while but never allowed herself to admit.

  Anna approached holding the shipping box from MC Tech. “I’m pitiful, I know. Simon tried to show me but I thought you’d do a better job.”

  “Sure, no problem. Here, let me show you.” She took the white plastic device from the box. “Just turn it on by pressing that button, type in the total to be charged, then swipe your customer’s card. They can sign on the screen and have the receipt sent to their email. No paper.”

  “Wonderful. I think it was the lack of paper receipts that tripped me up. You look beautiful again; let me see this outfit.”

  Jamie blushed but stood tall as Anna surveyed her from head to toe. She wore a black pencil skirt with a flare at the hem and a garnet blouse. The silver belt and earrings were her own addition and she looked forward to Giselle’s approval of her accessories.

  “Is this your last stop for the day?”

  “Yes, I’m taking a girlfriend to dinner down the block at La Noir. They’re a new client.”

  Anna smiled. “A girlfriend, huh? Are you two looking for dates?”

  Jamie laughed. “No, no. Just dinner and girl talk. I haven’t seen her all week.” Jamie looked at her watch. “In fact, I think I’ll go a little early and have a drink before she arrives.”

  “Very well. Thank you for stopping by to give me the lesson,” Anna said with a wink.

  Jamie smiled uneasily. Anna Dubois seemed to be carrying a secret in her eyes. “Anytime. Please let me know if you have any problems, I’ll be happy to stop back.”

  ***

  She’d never been a wine drinker. Mostly because she’d never known what to order. Giselle opened up the world of French wine to her and she could confidently choose and pronounce any type. Sipping her favorite Chablis, she could not only order it now, she could also confidently talk about the region of France the wine came from and the dry Chardonnay produced there. Surprisingly, her knowledge of French wine was invaluable while speaking with restaurant owners. Jamie owed much of her few short weeks of success to Giselle. She took a sip, closed her eyes and enjoyed the nervous fluttering in her belly as her thoughts moved to her friend and what she planned to reveal to her that night.

  “What a look of satisfaction.”

  Jamie’s eyes flew open and she turned to face the voice. “Simon? What are you doing here?”

  He chuckled. “Well, that wasn’t the response I’d hoped for. Anna must’ve been playing matchmaker again. I should’ve known. I’m sorry, are you expecting someone else?”

  Jamie nodded. “My friend, Giselle.”

  “Mind if I join you while you wait?” He gestured to the barstool next to her.

 
Jamie peeked over his shoulder to the entrance before glancing at her watch. Patrons filled the tiny bar but there was no sign of Giselle yet. “Um, okay. She won’t be here for another fifteen minutes or so.”

  Simon ordered a beer and relayed a story about a customer’s request for black roses. “She thought I just had them in the back of the shop.”

  “Is there such a thing as a black rose?”

  “They’re very rare and only grown in Turkey.”

  “Interesting. I seem to learn something every day here in Paris. It’s been very eye-opening.”

  Simon moved close. She inhaled his unusual scent of musk and flowers. “I know you’re here to have dinner with your friend tonight but I’d love to take you out sometime. I think we’d have a good time together.”

  Jamie met his stare and sighed before looking down at her glass. “I’m sorry, I’m just not...”

  “Let me finish...that into you? This is embarrassing.”

  “No. It’s not you—”

  “Not the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ line too! Do you want to beat a man while he’s down?” He smiled and downed the last of his beer.

  “Hold on. I owe you an explanation.” Jamie swallowed the last of her wine and ordered another before diving into the story of Giselle.

  “Wow, so you think you’re in love with her?”

  “I know I am. I just don’t know how to tell her.” She covered her eyes with her hands.

  “Hey.” Simon hooked his index finger under her chin and guided her face so that her eyes met his gaze. “Just tell her exactly what you told me. You’re a special person, Jamie. I’m sure she sees it too.” He leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. “I’m sorry, I just had to kiss you once.”

  She smiled. “Good bye, Simon.”

  “If you ever change your mind—”

  “I know just where to find you. Thanks, but I’m pretty sure I won’t.”

  “Hey, a guy can try, can’t he?”

  They embraced before Simon kissed the back of her hand and left.

  ***

  Giselle stepped to the side to let the man walk out the door. Watching the woman she loved kiss someone else stole her breath away. She’d never been wrong before. Ever. She should’ve left when he touched Jamie’s face but she couldn’t turn away. She had to witness what she’d wanted to do for weeks. She watched the man kiss Jamie. Her Jamie. Blinking back tears, she tucked the dress box under her arm, stuffed the plane tickets into her purse and hurried outside. Inhaling the cool autumn air through her nose and out pursed lips, she pulled the phone from her coat pocket and tapped out a message.

  Sorry, I can’t meet you tonight. I’m leaving for Rome on business.

  A rapid response appeared.

  You’re leaving? For how long?

  Giselle took a deep breath and responded.

  A week or two.

  Glancing through the window, she caught a glimpse of Jamie staring at her phone. Turning toward home, her phone vibrated in her hand.

  May I stop over before you leave? I have something to talk to you about.

  You want to tell me about your new boyfriend? Giselle wouldn’t allow Jamie to hurt her any more than she had already. She tried, but couldn’t be angry with Jamie. It wasn’t Jamie’s fault she didn’t feel the same way. In the excitement about asking her to join her on the trip, she must’ve missed the signs Jamie was interested in someone else. How was she so wrong about the connection they shared? She could’ve sworn Jamie was about to kiss her the night in her studio. She needed to get Jamie out of her mind, and the trip alone would do her well.

  No. I’m very busy. I’ll call you when I’m back in Paris.

  But I need you.

  Giselle stared at the screen. But not in the way I need you.

  You’ll be fine ma chère. See you soon.

  Chapter Six

  Jamie checked her text messages for what seemed like the fiftieth time that morning as she boarded the Metro train. It’d been a full week since she’d received the curt message from Giselle. The following day a package arrived at her door when she returned from her sales calls. In it was a little black dress made from the softest material Jamie had ever felt. She ran her fingers over the smooth, lightweight fabric as she read the note enclosed note.

  Dearest Jamie,

  Please accept this dress as a token of my gratitude. You’ve helped me strive to become a better designer by looking outside my comfort zone. I know you feel that I had a hand in your success but you’ve also had a hand in mine. You’ve made me a better person and I am eternally grateful for the chance to know you.

  The design for this dress is the reason I’m in Rome. A well-known design house is interested in partnering with me because of the dress you inspired me to create. You exude the je ne sais quoi I knew you were capable of. Wear this dress with confidence and pride as the dress and you deserve. You’re a special person.

  With my love,

  Giselle

  Tears blurred the screen as she sent yet another text to Giselle. However, like all the other messages, she was sure it would also be left unread and unanswered. Checking her watch, she peeked at the map above the train door from her seat. All her appointments were scheduled on the other side of city, about a thirty-minute train ride. She stared at the name of the stop that led to Giselle’s studio. Glancing at her watch again, she decided she had time for a quick stop.

  Taking two steps at a time, Jamie ascended to the street and walk quickly to the studio’s wooden door just a few blocks from the Metro stop. Her heart pounded as she rang the bell. Please answer. Please answer. What felt like many minutes passed and Jamie was about to turn around when the soft click of a lock perked her ears.

  The door opened and Murielle, Giselle’s assistant, poked her head out. “Excusez-moi, Mademoiselle. Je ne m’attendais pas a des visiteurs.” Murielle cocked her head and smiled, “You’re Jamie, correct?”

  Jamie nodded. “Oui. I haven’t heard from Giselle. Is she okay?”

  “Giselle’s in Rome. I just talked with her a few minutes ago. Come to think of it, she hasn’t been herself for the past few days.”

  “Do you know when she’s due back?”

  “A week, maybe more. She doesn’t seem eager to return.”

  “Please, tell me where she is, Murielle. Please.”

  ****

  The sun set behind the Roman architecture. Normally she’d be in awe of the sight. Red and orange light reflecting off centuries old marble structures took her breath away. There was only one thing in her mind: finding Giselle. She silently willed traffic to move. “Is there another route you can take? I’m in a hurry,” she asked the cab driver who simply raised his eyebrows at her through the rearview mirror.

  Jamie sank back into her seat, thinking back to the events of the morning that brought her to Rome. After some prodding, Jamie finally got contact information out of Giselle’s assistant and only after telling her the truth with tears in her eyes. Murielle had given her a knowing look. It all made sense, she said and scribbled something on a piece of stationary, folded it and pressed it into Jamie’s palm. “Go to her, dear. She’s hurting.”

  The cab crawled along the ancient city streets to the elegantly written address on the paper Jamie held in her hand. She finally came to a stop at a small hotel on the outskirts of the city. Jamie smiled as she looked up at the three-story building. It was exactly the type of accommodation she’d imagine Giselle would choose.

  Her heart raced as she paid the driver and collected her bag. A doorman opened the door and she headed to the concierge desk.

  “I’m meeting Giselle Bianchi. Would you call her please?” Jamie asked, catching her breath.

  “Signorina Bianchi just left. You’re welcome to wait here for her to return.”

  “Do you know where she went?”

  “No, I’m sorry but she should be back soon. She usually runs out about this time of night.”

  Yes, Giselle usuall
y has a coffee about this time. “May I leave my bag here? I think I know where she is.”

  “Of course, signorina.”

  “Can you direct me to the closest café?”

  ***

  Jamie followed the concierge’s directions and zigzagged her way through the streets to an outside café bathed in dim lights. Scanning the tables, Jamie spotted the profile of the glamorous woman who stole a piece of her heart. She seemed lost in thought as she stared at the setting sun. Jamie deliberately walked around the tables to approach Giselle from behind.

  “I wonder, signorina, how do I order a soda with ice in Italy?”

  Giselle cocked her head to the side, the only acknowledgement to Jamie’s presence. “Murielle told me you were coming but I didn’t believe you would.”

  “May I sit?”

  Giselle nodded once and gestured to a chair.

  “The letter. The dress. What’s going on? Did I do something wrong?” Jamie searched her friend’s eyes.

  Giselle folded her arms and rested them on the table. “Why did you come?”

  Jamie took a deep breath. “To tell you something I’ve never told another person before. Something I should’ve told you that first night we went out and you told me when you knew you were attracted to women.”

  Giselle raised her eyebrows. “Go on.”

  “I told you I was shy in high school and mostly kept to myself. When I got to college, a new world opened up for me. I went out with a few boys but never felt an attraction to any of them. I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me.” Jamie lowered her lashes and focused on her hands folded in her lap.

  “It’s okay, Jamie. You can tell me. Go on.”

  Her eyes flicked up to meet Giselle’s stare. “My roommate was homesick and left school after the first semester and a new girl moved in after Christmas break. She was from Spain.” Jamie smiled thinking about Magdelina’s long dark curls and happy smile. “She was so free and happy. I instantly felt a connection to her. Sometimes we’d lie on her bed and talk into the night. I opened up to her about my dating experiences. She asked me if I was interested in women. I never considered it an option until she let on that she was bi. Maggie explained how to look past the person’s gender. How to fall in love with the person, regardless if they were male or female.” Jamie swallowed hard and closed her eyes. “One night we lying on her bed sharing a bottle of cheap red wine and watching a movie where two women kissed. She asked me if I ever kissed a girl.” Jamie laughed. “I admitted I’d never been kissed at all. She took my face into her hands and kissed me and I kissed her back.”